Rapid diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis with enzyme immunoassay.
From June 1988 to May 1989, 444 throat swab specimens were tested with an enzyme immunoassay kit for rapid diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis. The results were compared with those of throat culture method. The rapid test was positive in 37 of 42 culture-positive specimens and negative in 379 of 402 culture-negative specimens, thus yielding a total agreement of 93.7%, sensitivity 88.1%, specificity 94.7%, positive predictive value 61.7%, negative predictive value 98.7%. According to this practical application, we suggest that enzyme immunoassay test can be applied in outpatient clinics by busy pediatricians for rapid diagnosis of group A streptococcal pharyngitis.
Chu
J M
JM
Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, R.O.C.
Chen
J M
JM
Wu
M H
MH
Hong
J Y
JY
Wang
Y M
YM
Hsu
H H
HH
Lue
H C
HC
D000293:Adolescent; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000276:immunology*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial